Road block anger (From Penarth Times)

Road block anger

FURIOUS Glebe Street traders have slammed the Vale of Glamorgan Council for pushing ahead the controversial pedestrianisation plans.

Business owners say they were outraged earlier this week when their road was completely closed without warning.

They arrived at work on Tuesday to find local authority workmen blocking off the highway and digging holes in the concrete.

One trader, Stephen Docking of the St Fagans pub, said many are angry that they weren't informed of the move.

He told the Times: "It is terrible that the Vale Council neglected to inform us about the work. From start to finish there has not been consideration for the traders. They are so lax. The notice telling everybody about the work was only put up on the day they started digging the hole."

But Vale of Glamorgan Council's project manager for the scheme Steve Barrett disagrees. He claims traders have been fully consulted.

Mr Barrett said: "The idea of pedestrianising Glebe Street has been about for years with the support of the Penarth Society, the police, Penarth Town Council and members of the Penarth Chamber of Trade. If there had been a significant amount of people who disapproved of the pedestrianisation we would have looked at the proposal.

"And if the traders are losing a lot of business after six months of the trial period of 18 months, we will look very seriously at their concerns."

He added: "As for the traders not being informed about the work beginning, I am afraid I can not say whether that is true because this is the Highway Department's responsibility."

As the war of words continues between traders and the council, many residents have also spoken out against the scheme.

Richard Hapton of King Street said: "It's a bad idea to pedestrianise this street. It is too small to enhance Penarth. The money would be better spent on housing. Councils seem to spend thousands a year on silly schemes like this."

Jayne Hampson, of Formal Affairs, said: "It is disgusting because this work will kill our business."

Tim Stephens, of Chris Capus pet shop, said: "We knew nothing about this work beginning but we as traders are not surprised at the lack of communication.

"We have had no information about this from the Vale Council."

Joan Sawyer, of St David's Crescent, said: "Parking is bad enough without losing these parking spaces. I am disabled and can not reach the shops unless I am near."

But project manager Mr Barrett believes the scheme will enhance the area.

He said: "It is a good idea for Penarth because there will be a place for events to be held in the centre of town. There will also be an opportunity for traders to have stalls outside the shops."

What do you think of the Glebe Street pedestrianisation? Contact Charles Booth with your views on 02920 707234.